This Fried Cabbage with Ham recipe features tender ribbons of cabbage and chunks of smoky ham sautéed in a flavorful tangy sauce. With the perfect balance of savory flavors, it's an irresistible easy weeknight dinner.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Fried Cabbage Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Fried Cabbage
• 🔪 How to Make Southern Fried Cabbage
• 💡 Top 3 Tips
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Fried Cabbage
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can I Use a Different Type of Mustard?
• Why is My Dish So Watery?
• Can I Make This Cabbage Recipe in Advance?
• What Can I Do If It's Too Salty?
• Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cabbage?
• 🍽️ More Healthy Dinner Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Fried Cabbage Recipe

• Ribbons of tender cabbage
• Chunks of smoked ham
• Perfectly caramelized onions
• Sautéed in a flavorful Dijon butter sauce
• Great way to use up leftover ham
• Keto friendly
• Dairy-free option

If you're looking for a creative and delicious way to use up some of that leftover holiday ham, you're in for a real treat. This incredible cabbage recipe is a 30-minute meal filled with ribbons of tender cabbage and onions, with juicy chunks of ham.

As the cabbage and ham simmer, they soak in all the flavors from a rich homemade Dijon butter sauce. In a matter of minutes, you'll have a healthy and hearty dish the whole family will love.

If you're looking for other scrumptious ways to use leftover holiday ham, you may also like this Roasted Cauliflower, Ham and Cheese Casserole and this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.

🛒 Ingredients for Fried Cabbage

• Ham
• Green cabbage
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Chicken broth
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large skillet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

🔪 How to Make Southern Fried Cabbage

Wash, dry and slice the cabbage into long shreds.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add in the olive oil and diced ham.

Sauté for a few minutes, stirring often to make sure all sides get a good sear. 

Remove the ham and set it aside, then add in the onion and continue sautéing until they are starting to caramelize.

Add in the garlic and sauté for another 15 seconds.

Add in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the brown bits of flavor.

Stir in the butter, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and smoked paprika, then add in the cabbage, salt, and pepper.

Stir to combine, cover, and simmer on medium-low for 10 minutes or until the cabbage is tender. Make sure to uncover and stir twice as the cabbage is cooking.  

Stir the ham back in and cook for another 2 minutes, then serve.

💡 Top 3 Tips

Though this is a straightforward recipe, there are three "S's" to keep in mind: searing, scraping, and simmering.

• Searing the ham: When sautéing the diced ham, let it develop a good sear on the edges. This caramelization gives the dish an amazing flavor.

• Scrape up the brown bits: When deglazing the pan with chicken broth, use a spatula to scrape up all the flavorful brown bits on the bottom of the skillet. It also works great to flavor the dish.

• Simmer low and slow: When simmering the cabbage and other ingredients, keep the heat turned down to medium-low. You don’t want the edges of the cabbage to char. Low and slow is best.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Transfer the cooled cabbage and ham dish into an airtight container. You can then store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: Place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

🍴 What to Serve with Fried Cabbage

With the ham, this is a standalone meal, perfectly served with a dinner roll or some sliced toasted herb bread. But, if you want to make it stretch, you could serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or cauliflower rice.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Cheese topping: Before serving, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish. Cheese makes everything better!

• Spice it up: Add a kick of heat with a pinch of homemade Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.

• Add some crunch: Toss in a handful of toasted nuts, such as almonds or walnuts just before serving. Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds can be sprinkled on top for an extra layer of nutty flavor and crunch.

• Fresh herbs: Add in herbs like chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

• Asian twist: If you love Asian food, feel free to add a splash of soy sauce or liquid aminos to the sauce.

• Maple syrup: For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a splash of maple syrup or honey to the Dijon butter sauce.

Another great way to use up leftover ham is with this ham stir fry that uses a handful of ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes to make!

Can I Use a Different Type of Mustard?

Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard for a different flavor twist.

Why is My Dish So Watery?

Cabbage contains a lot of water. If the dish has excess liquid, uncover the skillet and increase the heat to allow some of the liquid to evaporate

Can I Make This Cabbage Recipe in Advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cabbage and ham dish in advance, refrigerate it, and reheat it before serving. Just be careful not to overcook the cabbage if you plan to reheat it later.

What Can I Do If It's Too Salty?

If the ham is overly salty, balance the flavor by adding a bit more cabbage or a splash of unsalted chicken broth during cooking to dilute the sauce.

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cabbage?

While pre-shredded cabbage is super convenient for some recipes, it's not recommended for this one. You want the cabbage to have thick ribbons and not a slaw-like consistency.

🍽️ More Healthy Dinner Recipes

• Egg Roll Soup
• Sheet Pan Shrimp and Veggies
• Carrot and Lentil Soup
• Best Homemade Chili
• Chicken Corn Chowder